PhD Studentship in Molecular Biosciences - Deciphering a Mitoribosome Quality Control Machinery

Value of award: 100% of Home tuition fees paid and annual living expenses of £15,609 (full award). Successful EU and International candidates will be required to make up the difference between the Home fees and the EU/International fees.

Number of awards: 1

Start date and duration: 20th September 2021 for 3 years.

Application closing date: 18 August 2021.

Overview

Our lab's research at the Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research (WCMR), experimentally addresses fundamental questions in molecular and cell biology of mitochondria and their integration in the cell. We apply state of the art technologies and develop novel methodologies with the aim to improve the lives of patients with mitochondrial disease. WCMR has a diverse and rich research environment, with a world-class international reputation in the research of mitochondrial biology and molecular disease mechanisms. Read more about WCMR here:  https://www.newcastle-mitochondria.com/

Project description

This PhD student position is available in the laboratory headed by Dr Uwe Richter - https://www.newcastle-mitochondria.com/wp-content/cache/all/dr-uwe-richter/index.html . 

Mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, contain their own genome. The mRNAs encoded in this genome are translated into proteins on the powerhouse’s own ribosomes. The mishandling of newly made mitochondrial membrane proteins causes misfolding and membrane disruptions. When this happens as the newly made protein is just emerging from the ribosomes, a quality control mechanism is induced that ultimately results in mitochondrial ribosome and mRNA degradation. This mechanism ensures that faulty ribosomes or mRNAs do not produce more toxic proteins that would further disturb our mitochondria. Even though a great number of protein and RNA degrading enzymes are found inside mitochondria, the machinery for this ribosome quality control mechanism has not been determined. This project aims to identify the ribosome and mRNA degradation machinery, including the proteins that can recognize the faulty ribosomes.

Sponsor

The studentship is funded by the Newcastle University Academic Track (NUAcT) Fellowship scheme

Name of supervisor(s)

Dr Uwe Richter , NUBI and WCMR and Professor Robert Taylor , NUTRCI.

Eligibility Criteria

Have or expect at least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in Molecular Medicine, Biosciences or similar. A further qualification such as an MSc or MRes is advantageous.

This award is available to UK, EU and international applicants.

The English Language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with 5.5 or more in each sub-skill.

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system. Please ‘Create a new account ’ and complete the mandatory fields:

• Programme code: 8300F
• Programme of study: ‘PhD in the Faculty of Medical Sciences – Biosciences'
• Studentship code: BI041
• A CV and covering letter stating the title and reference code of the studentship, and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.
• Degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications.

If applying for TWO or more projects using code 8300F please email [email protected]  with:

• Your (first submitted) application number
• Second studentship code and title
• Two-page covering letter for the second project.

Contact

For further details, please contact: Dr Uwe Richter ([email protected] )